St. Paul Police Release Body Cam Footage of Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting

(KNSI) — St. Paul police have recently made public the body camera footage capturing a tragic incident that took place on December 7th, resulting in a fatal officer-involved shooting.

The released videos depict an officer responding to a distress call made by a woman who reported being followed by an individual against whom she had a domestic abuse no contact order. The woman also claimed that the suspect had forcefully collided with her vehicle and threatened her with a firearm.

The body cam footage reveals the presence of a 24-year-old man, identified as Brandon Keys, standing adjacent to the driver’s side window of the woman’s car. In an attempt to subdue the suspect, the officer repeatedly instructs Keys to lie on the ground. However, Keys ignores the officer’s commands and retreats to his own vehicle, taking cover behind the open car door. Moments later, he emerges from his hiding spot and proceeds to open fire, shooting the officer in the leg. In self-defense, the officer promptly returns fire, inflicting serious injuries on Keys. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the wounded officer urgently communicates via radio that gunshots have been fired and requests immediate medical assistance.

Despite the chaos, the woman initially drives away from the scene but quickly returns on foot, frantically approaching Keys and pleading for the officer to render aid.

Displaying remarkable bravery, the injured officer, with his weapon still drawn, manages to limp towards the incapacitated suspect before additional law enforcement personnel arrive at the scene. Acting swiftly, the officer secures Keys’ firearm and moves it away from his reach.

Following the incident, Brandon Keys was swiftly transported to Regions Hospital where he tragically succumbed to his injuries the following day. Meanwhile, the officer received medical treatment and was subsequently released. Thankfully, no other individuals were harmed during the exchange of gunfire.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension continues to conduct a thorough investigation into this tragic event, aiming to uncover further details and provide a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances leading to the officer-involved shooting.